The Secret History by Donna Tartt

The Secret History by Donna Tartt is a novel that follows the lives of a group of classics students at a small, elite college in New England. The students, led by their charismatic and eccentric professor, become obsessed with ancient Greek culture and rituals, which leads them to commit a terrible crime. The novel explores themes of guilt, obsession, and the corrupting influence of power. Tartt's masterful prose and richly drawn characters make The Secret History a compelling and thought-provoking read. It has become a beloved classic of contemporary literature since its publication in 1992.

Best selling editions of The Secret History

Donna Tartt
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Penguin Books, Limited (UK), Revised
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Collecting The Secret History

The Secret History by Donna Tartt is a novel that follows the lives of a group of classics students at a small, elite college in New England. The students, led by their charismatic and eccentric professor, become obsessed with ancient Greek culture and rituals, which leads them to commit a terrible crime. The novel explores themes of guilt, obsession, and the corrupting influence of power. Tartt's masterful prose and richly drawn characters make The Secret History a compelling and thought-provoking read. It has become a beloved classic of contemporary literature since its publication in 1992.

First Edition Identification

The Secret History novel was first published in 1992 by Alfred A. Knopf. The original retail price was $23.00. “First edition” is stated on the copyright page. Pictorial boards, spine lettered in black on a white ground, acetate dust jacket with a price of $23.00, and three reviews by John Grisham, Jay McInerney, and Ruth Rendell.

There are two possible variations of the first edition, one with a yellow tone, and another with a gray tone.

Other Collectible or Notable Editions

30th Anniversary commemorative edition of The Secret History (Viking, 2022). Hardback with cloth binding and bespoke marbled endpapers. Edition limited to 500 numbered copies.